Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
19.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON FOOD
ACCESS
19.4.1 ALLOCATION
Food is allocated through markets and nonmarket distribution mecha-
nisms. Political and social power relationships are key factors influencing
allocation decisions in times of scarcity. If agricultural production declines
and households find alternative livelihood activities, social processes and
reciprocal relations in which locally produced food is given to other fam-
ily members in exchange for their support may change or disappear al-
together. Public and charitable food distribution schemes reallocate food
to the most needy, but are subject to public perceptions about who needs
help, and social values about what kind of help it is incumbent on more
wealthy segments of society to provide. If climate change creates oth-
er more urgent claims on public resources, support for food distribution
schemes may decline, with consequent increases in the incidence of food
insecurity, hunger and famine related deaths.
19.4.2 AFFORDABILITY
Climate impacts on income-earning opportunities can affect the ability
to buy food, and a change in climate or climate extremes may affect the
availability of certain food products, whichmay influence their price. High
prices may make certain foods unaffordable and can have an impact on
individual's nutrition and health.
19.4.3 PREFERENCE
Food preferences determine the kinds of food households will attempt to
obtain. Changing climatic conditions may affect both the physical and the
economic availability of certain preferred food items, which might make it
impossible to meet some preferences. Changes in availability and relative
prices for major food items may result in people either changing their food
basket, or spending a greater percentage of their income on food when
prices of preferred food items increase.
